Fuchi-kashira with eagle capturing a monkey (attributed to Risshū)

[RATOYO]

 

Hello, everyone,

I would like to share one more fuchi-kashira depicting an eagle capturing a monkey, attributed to Risshū. I find the composition quite dynamic, especially the interaction between the eagle and the struggling monkey.

One small detail that caught my attention is the treatment of the monkey’s head, where the hair seems to be rendered with irregular strokes, giving it a rather wild and lively appearance.

I have also read that this motif has sometimes been interpreted as symbolizing authority or dominance, perhaps reflecting ideals associated with the warrior class, though I would be very interested to hear other views on the meaning of the scene.

Any thoughts on the workmanship or comparable examples would be greatly appreciated.

 

Liang

[Jesta]

Nice pieces… 

 

Markus Sesko has an excellent article on this topic: https://markussesko.com/2014/02/02/tsuba-with-the-bird-of-prey-catching-a-monkey-motif/

 

It’s really interesting to see how the motif has not only been depicted slightly differently, but also can interpreted differently. 

[RATOYO]

7 hours ago, Jesta said:

Nice pieces… 

 

Markus Sesko has an excellent article on this topic: https://markussesko.com/2014/02/02/tsuba-with-the-bird-of-prey-catching-a-monkey-motif/

 

It’s really interesting to see how the motif has not only been depicted slightly differently, but also can interpreted differently. 

Thank you for sharing the article — the tsuba and the interpretations are very interesting.

On a fuchi-kashira the scene is extremely small, and without strong magnification it is almost impossible to see so many details. I was quite surprised by the momentary expressions of both the eagle and the monkey, and by the sense of tension the artist managed to create in such a tiny space.

 

Liang

[Exclus1ve]

Beautiful work!
One of my favorite works on this topic is by Omori Teruhide.

 

 

[RATOYO]

1 hour ago, Exclus1ve said:

Beautiful work!
One of my favorite works on this topic is by Omori Teruhide.

 

 

Excellent work — the eagle’s sharp, piercing gaze is truly striking.

[Jake6500]

I have seen two similar examples owned by collectors here in Melbourne Australia.

One is actually on sale currently... signed "Masakuni" with Tokubetsu Hozon papers...